TRAGEDY STRIKES: Beloved Australian Soldier Lance Corporal Tulsa Rumney Killed in Horror Vehicle Rollover During Training Exercise Near Townsville
- Lance Corporal Tulsa Rumney, a 7.5-year veteran of the Australian Army, died in a tragic vehicle rollover during a training exercise near Townsville.
- The 3rd Battalion, known as “Old Faithful,” has paid tribute to the fallen soldier, describing him as a “proud and passionate” Aussie who will be “forever missed.”
- The incident has sparked a massive investigation, with the use of M113 armoured personnel carriers suspended pending the outcome.
Lance Corporal Tulsa Rumney, a proud and passionate soldier, has been remembered by his comrades as a “proper Aussie bloke” who will be deeply missed. The 3rd Battalion, also known as “Old Faithful,” has paid tribute to the fallen soldier, who died in a horror vehicle rollover during a training exercise near Townsville.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night, when an M113 armoured personnel carrier rolled at a training area 60 kilometres west of Townsville. Lance Corporal Rumney was participating in a commander’s training course at the time of the crash. Two of his male colleagues, aged in their 20s and 30s, were hospitalised with minor injuries and have since been discharged.
Lance Corporal Rumney’s battalion has described him as a “character of Old Faithful” who “passionately and proudly served his nation” for 7.5 years. He was an avid Brisbane Broncos fan and had distinguished service, participating in the Defence Force’s partnerships with the Papua New Guinea defence force and training Ukrainian troops during his career.
“Tulsa was a soldier who always put service before self,” the 3rd Battalion statement said. “He will be remembered as a soldier who always put others before himself, and his loss will be deeply felt by all of us in Old Faithful.”
The cause of the rollover remains unclear, with state and federal authorities investigating the incident. Defence Minister Richard Marles has confirmed that the M113 carriers will not be used while the investigations are ongoing. The platforms are due to be replaced with new Korean-made vehicles in the years ahead.
The 3rd Battalion has asked for respect for Lance Corporal Rumney’s family’s privacy, allowing them to grieve in private. “We understand there is heartfelt interest in Tulsa’s passing,” the battalion’s statement said. “We ask all to respect his family’s privacy, allowing them to grieve in private.”